Fall College WorkshopsPart I: An Overview

Newbury Park High School Counselors

Lesley Drossin Richard Intlekofer Jose Ireta Chuck Severns Kris Swavely

College and Career Specialist

Cita Ricafort

Naviance Family Connection Liaison

Nick Colangelo

Some Essential Resources

www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions

www.csumentor.edu

www.californiacolleges.edu

www.commonapp.org

www.assist.org

www.act.org

www.collegeboard.com

http://connection.naviance.com/newburypark

http://collegeconfidential.com

WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK!

� The Newbury Park High School Counseling Department has established a Facebook Page so that we can post important information for all of our students. Visit and Like us soon!

THIS PRESENTATION MAY BE FOUND AT:

� www.nphs.org

� Go to “Counselors’ Corner” and click on

“Fall College Workshops 2011/ Part One”

Some First Steps

� Set up a special, professional email account (NOT beachblanketbingo@lalala.com) for all of your college applications, and check it regularly!

� Pick up an unofficial transcript from the Counseling Office counter.

� Prepare your teachers and counselors for your recommendation requests!

� Use the same exact name on all college related correspondence!

Making Tentative Decisions

� How many schools should I apply to?� Will I be comfortable there for four years?� How will I pay for this adventure?� Where can I find information about my major? � What if I have no idea about a major?� But my friend’s sister, whose brother-in-law

works at UC Santa Somewhere says…� Editorial comment: Don’t simply go to college to

earn a degree. Go to learn to think, to challenge yourselves and others, and to gain a broad based education.

College Applications: The Process

� Choices:

� Independent Schools

� Schools Outside California

� University of California

� California State University

� Community Colleges

� Transfer Opportunities (TAG, IGETC, etc.)

Private and Independent Schools

� Costs for private and independent schools are greater than the public schools, but the gap has been closing recently.

� Scholarships and financial aid may be more available for many private schools.

� You may apply to private schools through their own websites or via the Common Application (More about the Common App later).

� You will need to submit a counselor’s form (Secondary School Report), and one to two teacher recommendations for most private schools.

� You will need to complete a transcript request for each private school to which you apply (see the next slide!).

� Most private schools require one or more personal statements.� Deadlines for private schools vary. Please be sure to check websites for

information. � Notification of admission can also vary among private schools, as well as

the method of delivery. � Testing requirements vary, as well. Your counselor can help you!

Process for Independent University Applications

� Determine if your school is a Common Application school. If so, you need to open a Common App account, list your schools, then go to Naviance Family Connection to list your schools there, and complete the FERPA Privacy process. That will permit us to submit materials on your behalf. Then, submit a transcript request form to Mrs. Blake in the Registrar’s Office (the old Textbook Room), as follows:

Process for Independent University Applications, Cont.

� Send an email AND make a personal request for all recommendations, including your counselor, teachers, and coaches.

� Be certain that your Naviance Family Connection resume is updated and complete, and take advantage of the Student and Parent Brag Sheet now available on Family Connection.

� Be sure to complete all appropriate sections of the Common Application or individual university applications before requesting assistance from your counselor or teachers. Don’t forget to complete all supplements on the Common Application!

� When asked for your rank, our District Policy dictates that we do NOT rank for admission purposes. We do, however, indicate your decile, based upon your weighted grade point average.

� Your weighted average is derived by taking your Scholastic gpa (all courses grades 9-12 except PE) and adding a weight of one grade point for each grade of A or B in Honors, AP, and IB courses.

Special Note!

� If you receive an offer of a free application from a school (e.g. Cal Lutheran, University of the Pacific, Drexel, etc.), see your counselor for special instructions regarding submission of applications and recommendations.

Public Schools outside California

� How difficult are they to get into?

� What are their subject and testing requirements?

� What about out-of-state costs?

� What do their applications look like?

� When are their deadlines?

� When will I know about admission?

The University of California

� Look now at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions� You may apply to all nine campuses with one application� UC eligible students who apply to four or more campuses are

admitted at an 86% rate. Apply broadly!� The UC does not have any Early Action programs� You can download the application now, but you can’t submit until

November 1-30� They require two essays and an activities page, but no

recommendations� You must submit either the SAT Reasoning or the ACT with Writing;� The Subject Tests are no longer required, but may be

recommended for some majors and campuses.� Scholarship applications are imbedded in the application for

admission� Eligibility in the Local Context now extends to the top 9%

of our senior class, as determined by the University—not by us.

� You will not submit transcripts to the UC until requested.

The California State University

� Twenty-three campuses

� You may apply immediately, and until November 30 at www.csumentor.edu

� Only Cal Poly SLO has an early decision program (October 31)

� No essays, no recommendations, no activities list (Cal Poly SLO has a brief activities page)

� You must submit the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. Writing scores are not considered.

� What about the EAP, EPT, ELM?

� Apply to each separately, but you won’t need to fill in new data each time except for first page

� Subject requirements for the UC and CSU are the same except for science: UC requires chemistry, while the CSU will accept Geosciences

Community Colleges

� Strong system in California that can lead to university transfer

� Orientation, application, and registration for the Ventura County Community Colleges will take place in the spring here on campus

� Become familiar with the IGETC and www.assist.org!

� Community colleges are a terrific place to begin your education for any number of reasons

� The Transfer Admissions Guarantee is offered by most UC campuses

Making Your Choices

� The College Visit: Meet an admissions rep; verify requirements; determine costs; inquire about scholarship opportunities; take a tour; investigate your desired program; attend a class; talk with students and faculty.

� What About Housing? Look into all housing options, and investigate all meal plans thoroughly. Make sure you comply with housing application deadlines, which may be different from admission deadlines.

Campus Safety

� Your chosen school should be able to offer their campus safety strategies to you. Conduct a thorough investigation by reading the campus newspaper regularly and by contacting the local police.

NCAA Clearinghouse

� All student athletes who hope to play sports at a Division I or Division 2 NCAA college must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/

� You must complete a sequence of courses to be eligible.

� You need to bring a printed copy of the NCAA transcript request to the office so that we can send your transcript.

� You need to request that your SAT or ACT scores are sent to the NCAA. Use Code #9999.

Testing RequirementsWhat Do I Need for My Schools?

� SAT Reasoning Test

� SAT Subject Tests

� ACT

� AP and IB

� EPT, ELM(CSU) (What is the EAP?)

� All test scores must be reported by the testing agencies(www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org

� You may send SAT history to all UC campuses simply by indicating one campus code. To do so, however, you must submit your Social Security Number to both the UC and College Board.

� You may send SAT history to all CSU campuses by indicating CSU Mentor: 3594

� You may also send your ACT scores to the CSU system using the ACT Scores Manager

Naviance

� Be sure to use your Naviance account to complete your Profile, Resume, Game Plan, Personality Type, College Search, and Parent Brag Sheet. You need to complete these items before you see your counselor for assistance

� You may use Naviance in combination with the Common Application to complete your applications and make requests of your teachers and counselors to submit your letters of recommendation.

� Be sure to list all of your intended schools under “Colleges I Am Applying To”, whether or not they are on the Common App

� Be sure to complete the FERPA Waiver so that your recommenders can submit your information online

The Application

� The Transcript: Use an unofficial transcript to complete your application; submit an official transcript to schools upon request. (The UC and CSU do not want one yet, except for some CSU’s!)

� The Resume: Put together a summary of information about yourself on Naviance for use by your counselors and teachers in writing letters of recommendation for college and scholarship use. Use the Journal feature of Naviance to offer miscellaneous information to your counselors.

� Parent Brag Sheet: A great place to offer helpful information to your counselors. It can be found on Naviance.

� The Personal Statement: You should begin asap, no matter when your application is due. Get feedback from others. Pay attention to the prompts, which differ by school.

� Letters of Recommendation: Not all schools require them, but, if you need them, choose writers who know you well, and ask them soon! Requests for recommendations must be submitted to your counselors and teachers by December 1, 2011. Don’t forget to follow up with a THANK YOU!

The Application

� Early Decision, Early Action, etc.

� Make a Copy

� Deadlines: Private and out of state—varies;

UC—November 30

CSU—November 30

Don’t wait until then—make your deadline November 15!

Mid-Year Reports?

� Some schools will request a mid-year report or transcript at the end of Term One. Be sure to complete a Mid-YearTranscript Request if this is the case.

� Do not send mid-year reports or transcripts to the UC and CSU unless specifically requested.

The Essay (Help Me, Please!)

� In writing your statement remember:– 1. Show creative intelligence. Use all of the good training you’ve received from NPHS English teachers.

– 2. Be reflective. Think about:– What have you accomplished?

– Why have you made the decision you have made?

– What have you learned?

– What evidence can you present of your self-discipline?

– What leadership skills do you have and/or commitment to others?

� What qualities do you that distinguish you from others?

� Where do you excel?

� How would your qualities, characteristics, and attributes enhance the undergraduate class?

� Discuss any challenges you have faced or obstacles you have overcome. For example, let it be known if you are the first in your family to go to college, or ifyou have contended with serious illness or disability. Be sure to describe how you achieved in spite of these challenges and how any

hardships you have endured have shaped your character, affected your beliefs, and influenced your goals.

3. Get started, don’t procrastinate! Begin with some journal/diary writing. Forget about the essay per se, just write!

4. Advice:

Write to the actual prompt. Read the directions .

Write your own essay. Use your own voice. Be authentic.

� Advice continued:

– Avoid published guide books.

– Do not mistake a list for a written essay. Rather, incorporate your accomplishments into the body of the essay.

– Allow your essay to sit for a few days. Give yourself time to “digest” your essay.

– Share your essay with those you trust.

– Avoid use of humor, cliches, and sentiments.

� Advice continued:

– Do not manufacture hardships.

– Avoid cute fonts and graphics. Have mercy on tired reader eyes. They do actually read these essays.

– Proofread and edit.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

� Use all available resources: Naviance, College Board, College Confidential, and especially our own CCC assistance from Mrs. Ricafort(monthly scholarship bulletin)

� Be sure to complete the FAFSA

� Complete the CSS Profile, if necessary. This is mostly for private and independent colleges

� Use the resources available to you on the college sites, as well.

� Be sure to complete the NPHS Common Scholarship Application!

Scholarships and Financial Aid� January 5 Financial Aid Night-7:00/PAC

� March 2 FAFSA Deadline

� February 28 Common Scholarship Workshop & Applications become available

March 16 Deadline to Request Electronic Application (3 PM)

� March 30 Common Scholarship Applications Due to CCC by 3:00 pm (no exceptions)

The Waiting Game

� When will I know? Most admissions decisions are made in the spring, usually by April. However, some schools will let you know more quickly.

� What should I do in the meantime?Continue to explore and form a preliminary priority list, so your final decisions won’t be rushed.

� What about appeals? Most schools discourage them; consult your counselor for more information.

The Final Steps

� Consider your options, including financial aid.

� Submit your SIR on time!

� Follow up with all deposits, etc.

� Be sure to submit a final transcript in June.

- Students will be able to be excused for two days per year for college visits, as long as you use the ”Planned Absence” form available in the Attendance Office.

- Contact the Dean of Attendance with questions

- Ms. Ginter @ 498-3676 ext. 1018

The Dates!

� October 13- Senior Parent Meeting at 7 pm, followed by CSU Application Workshop!

� October 19–UC Application Workshop at 7 pm (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE).

� Oct. 31/Nov. 1—Many Early Action and Early Decision Deadlines

The Dates!

� Oct.1-Nov. 30: CSU Filing Period

� Nov. 1-Nov. 30: UC Filing Period

� November-January—Regular deadlines for many private and out of state public schools

� January 1-March 2-- File the FAFSA

� March through April—Acceptance Notifications arrive

� May 1—Statements of Intent to Register due

What To Do Now?

� For the UC and CSU, go online to begin your applications. Work on your UC essays and activities. Share your essays with good readers for feedback. Use a transcript to complete the course information. Give your counselor your user name and password. READ THE APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE VIDEO!

What To Do Now, Cont.

� For private schools, go to the websites immediately to begin the process.

� Be sure to start working on your essays, which will be different from the UC.

� See your teachers and counselors to request letters of recommendation. Remember-- ALL requests must besubmitted by December 1, 2011.

� Be certain to use Naviance to your full advantage!

Naviance Summary

� Open Common App account, if appropriate, at www.commonapp.org

� Complete your Resume, Profile, Colleges I am Applying To, and Parent Brag Sheet for all colleges!

� Complete Privacy Waiver (Blue Box)

� Complete Request for Letter of Recommendation, if appropriate, and print it to hand to your teachers and your counselor.

Contact Your CounselorSend us your user name and password

so we can help you!

� ldrossin@conejo.k12.ca.us

� rintlekofer@conejo.k12.ca.us

� jireta@conejo.k12.ca.us

� cseverns@conejo.k12.ca.us

� kswavely@conejo.k12.ca.us

� cricafort@conejo.k12.ca.us

� ncolangelo@conejo.k12.ca.us

� Cal State Application Workshop

� Thursday, Oct. 13

� 7:30 p.m., PAC

� Bring your transcript

� Open your account at www.csumentor.eduand begin the application process!

THANK YOU !

Have a Wonderful Evening